SL/R230: SL's...For older gentleman???
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Frederick, MD
'17 CLS550
I know this is an old thread but I am in the same situation as the OP. I have a 997S and think it is a fantastic car but am getting tired of the "rough" ride. My former C6Z06 had a softer ride (not saying that is a good thing for a sportscar) and was more "comfortable". I knew this when I got the 997 but really wanted to drive one for a while. Now, I'm looking for the combination of the Z06 softer feel and the 997S build qulaity and think perhaps maybe the SL55 or even the SL550 will get me there? I'm also looking at a CLK63 AMG Black Series if prices get into the low $70's in the next 12 months.
Two other things about age and gas mileage
I'm 41 and wouldn't think twice about driving an SL
Bad gas mileage --- my '06 M5 got 10 mpg
Two other things about age and gas mileage
I'm 41 and wouldn't think twice about driving an SL
Bad gas mileage --- my '06 M5 got 10 mpg
Last edited by alms21; Oct 24, 2009 at 09:50 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
SLK 55 - 2013
36 and just bought my 2009 SL 550 Silver Arrow Edition
Hey I just bought mine, the car looks great with the silver arrow silver paint and red interiors. It's my first real car as I was in the medical field and I'm quite happy. I can afford it now, so why wait till im 50.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
2005 SL600, 2016 ES300h, 2012 Hayabusa
I love the SL's and have since they came when I graduated high school in 03, I plan to buy one this spring at 25, current cars are a 99 acura CL for a daily and a 98 eclipse GSX that was formerly a 650hp monster, now it is more modest around 350-400. I know that I work for a Lexus dealer and could get a used sc430 (formerly famous in every rapper's video) or I could get a new IS350C for cost, but for that 46k or so I'd much rather find a used sl600 or spend the extra dough on an sl65. I know I could have a warranty and great mpg on an is-c, but there is just something about sl's, the way they look and the disgusting snarl of a bi-turbo v12
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
SL500
I bought the first new body 07 328i coupe when they arrived at my local dealership in Nov 06. I was 25 at the time. I was bored of the car almost instantly. I traded it in 2 years almost to the day and bought a SL500. I am now 28 and have been driving my SL500 for over a year. And I can say I have never owned a better more enjoyable car.
Last edited by DeLorean00; Oct 24, 2009 at 10:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
Funny, I had never considered the 530 RWTQ put down by my modded SL55 or the 700 +TQ from a SL65 as something for old people. I’m looking forward to old age.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Germany
SL R230
I am now driving an 2007 SL and enjoy it....I am 43 and old enough for that type of car !!!!
my way to my SL: Fiat Panda 34, Peugeot 205 XS, Volkswagen Golf III, BMW 320 Coupé, BMW 328 Coupé, Porsche 993 Carrera 4, plus Porsche 964 RS (for race tracks), then Porsche 993 Turbo, and then Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited,.....
my way to my SL: Fiat Panda 34, Peugeot 205 XS, Volkswagen Golf III, BMW 320 Coupé, BMW 328 Coupé, Porsche 993 Carrera 4, plus Porsche 964 RS (for race tracks), then Porsche 993 Turbo, and then Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited,.....
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 1
From: Texas
E63 S
Old post, but interesting considering my recent purchase. Have been a Porsche guy for many years. Currently have an '09 997 Turbo. Love it.
Recently added an '09 SL550. Completely different ride, but a great car. To be honest, the "old man" question went through my head, but I liked the car too much to care.
I'm 45.
Recently added an '09 SL550. Completely different ride, but a great car. To be honest, the "old man" question went through my head, but I liked the car too much to care.
I'm 45.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, ON
2004 Sl 500, 2007 C280 4matic, 2009 F150, 1988 HD FXRS, 2002 HD FXST
Okay I am new to this forum but not MB. Just bought a used SL 500 which will become my daily driver in the spring. Tested a Carrera 4 with the auto and was very disappointed, it shook, rattled and rolled, my 79 Vette was a nicer drive and it was junk by today's standards and especially compared to the Benz. Actually it reminded me of my first Austin Healy 3000 way back when. BTW my wife and also ride our own Harley's, have an offshore performance boat, a 46 foot fast trawler and a garden tractor too! She is 61, I am 60. Age is a state of mind
Last edited by PDineno; Nov 4, 2009 at 04:24 AM. Reason: Spelling
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, ON
2004 Sl 500, 2007 C280 4matic, 2009 F150, 1988 HD FXRS, 2002 HD FXST
You too. You get one turn at this thing I am not leaving anything behind. M father spent most of his life saying "If I". I prefer "When I"
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2005 sl500
I am getting tired of my '07 Porsche 997S mostly due to the 6 speed manual tranny and I mentioned to my girlfriend "what about a new '09 SL"..she replied "maybe when you are in your 50's"...I also queried some of my colleagues and they pretty much said the same thing with some saying they'd drive one when they hit 60. I realize age shouldn't matter so long as I like the car, but it is true most folks around here that drive SL's are 50-70 yrs of age.
I am in my 40's btw.
Thoughts?
I am in my 40's btw.
Thoughts?
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Germany
SL R230
I bought my first 911 when I turned 30. Loved it. And now after a 993C4 and 993 Turbo, I am in my early 40 and I love my SL. I will most probably drive an electric mini cooper when I hit 50 ....
Do it (if you like the car).... It is YOUR car!!!
Do it (if you like the car).... It is YOUR car!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Texas
2008 SL600 w/AMG pkg
Just got out of an 02' C5 Vette Convertible. When the top was up at 85, you couldn't talk on the phone very well, if at all.
Compare it to this 08' SL600, this ride is truly a luxury ride. And when you want to cruise 250 miles, you are not worn out by the noise level. Talk on the phone all you want. Want the top down, push a button.
52 and still loving the toys, but they just seem to get more expensive. A 600 rwhp 67' Mustang street car (cost more than the SL), 38' Sea Ray Sundancer, Yamaha FX SHO Cruiser Jet Ski (oh yeah, supercharged, almost 70 mph on the water). ha ha , Life is fun, and age is a state of mind.
Compare it to this 08' SL600, this ride is truly a luxury ride. And when you want to cruise 250 miles, you are not worn out by the noise level. Talk on the phone all you want. Want the top down, push a button.
52 and still loving the toys, but they just seem to get more expensive. A 600 rwhp 67' Mustang street car (cost more than the SL), 38' Sea Ray Sundancer, Yamaha FX SHO Cruiser Jet Ski (oh yeah, supercharged, almost 70 mph on the water). ha ha , Life is fun, and age is a state of mind.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Cali
SL55 Brabus, SL320
SL's are for everyone
It really doesnt matter how old you are when driving an SL. Im 18 and i got mine and supped it all up as you can see from the sites below. It takes some money..but definately worth it in the end. My SL started out to be an SL500 but after all the conversions from Brabus and Kleeman and putting in a supercharger, it became an SL55 equivalent. I'll get some pics of my own soon, but SL's are worth it no matter what the age--espicially if you know how to handle them. Most people assume SL's go hand-and-hand with an elderly age because of the "price tag" so when they get older they can afford it. My opinion..if you can afford it, get it! Then, supe it up the way you like it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
2005 SL600, 2016 ES300h, 2012 Hayabusa
wow, that is your car? you are 18 and built that? I really thought I was one of the young guys on here at 24. Nice taste in cars, it is really good to see that someone out there has some individuality and refinement. I can't say I know anyone your age that would built something like that instead of just trashing out a camaro or honda.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Cali
SL55 Brabus, SL320
Oh yea. Thanks man. It took some time, but got it done. The way i see it is that if your going to get a car, then supe it up so you can enjoy it as well. My car is basically done for how i would like it, but i just have a couple small "projects" to do with the engine to add more hp and all..but basically, im lovin it. Indeed, most people my age end up trashing out cars like hondas and all, but i guess you could say im different. And with a car like this one, you would never do anything stupid to mess it up or destroy its image as an exotic car.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, ON
2004 Sl 500, 2007 C280 4matic, 2009 F150, 1988 HD FXRS, 2002 HD FXST
Ageism
Nice ride. It just comes down to what you like and want oh and can afford. As for people who say an SL is an old man's car, either they are car snobs and probably though a Gremlin or Pinto were good cars or envious and just hate the thought that someone has one and they don't.
Mine is a box stock unit, but I really enjoy driving it and it gets lots of positive comments. Go figure!
Mine is a box stock unit, but I really enjoy driving it and it gets lots of positive comments. Go figure!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Oh yea. Thanks man. It took some time, but got it done. The way i see it is that if your going to get a car, then supe it up so you can enjoy it as well. My car is basically done for how i would like it, but i just have a couple small "projects" to do with the engine to add more hp and all..but basically, im lovin it. Indeed, most people my age end up trashing out cars like hondas and all, but i guess you could say im different. And with a car like this one, you would never do anything stupid to mess it up or destroy its image as an exotic car.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: On a hill
2004 SL350
Also have an 03 Aston Martin Vanquish, but that's an entirely different ride altogether. SO now I've got two sports cars with completely different rides, but very similar performance figures. Except one runs like a smooth sewing machine, and the other is a twitching, snorting thoroughbred!
--------------------------
2003 Mercedes SL600 (black/dark grey)
2003 Aston Martin Vanquish (silver/black)
2004 Lexus RX330 (silver/black) wife's
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Germany
SL R230
Exactly my problem! (But I'm not a girl, rather 61 years-young). I tried to buy a Porsche 996 after having my 03 SL600 for a year, and the ride was just too abrasive. Lovely driver's car, but I'm spoilt with the exceptional ride that the SL600 gives.
Also have an 03 Aston Martin Vanquish, but that's an entirely different ride altogether. SO now I've got two sports cars with completely different rides, but very similar performance figures. Except one runs like a smooth sewing machine, and the other is a twitching, snorting thoroughbred!
--------------------------
2003 Mercedes SL600 (black/dark grey)
2003 Aston Martin Vanquish (silver/black)
2004 Lexus RX330 (silver/black) wife's
Also have an 03 Aston Martin Vanquish, but that's an entirely different ride altogether. SO now I've got two sports cars with completely different rides, but very similar performance figures. Except one runs like a smooth sewing machine, and the other is a twitching, snorting thoroughbred!
--------------------------
2003 Mercedes SL600 (black/dark grey)
2003 Aston Martin Vanquish (silver/black)
2004 Lexus RX330 (silver/black) wife's
I can follow you.....except that neither the SL nor the AM are sport cars....
......The non AMG-SL and the AM are gentlemen cars, with some HP but not more....nothing to compare to a 993GT2 etc....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
It really doesnt matter how old you are when driving an SL. Im 18 and i got mine and supped it all up as you can see from the sites below. It takes some money..but definately worth it in the end. My SL started out to be an SL500 but after all the conversions from Brabus and Kleeman and putting in a supercharger, it became an SL55 equivalent. I'll get some pics of my own soon, but SL's are worth it no matter what the age--espicially if you know how to handle them. Most people assume SL's go hand-and-hand with an elderly age because of the "price tag" so when they get older they can afford it. My opinion..if you can afford it, get it! Then, supe it up the way you like it.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: On a hill
2004 SL350
A lot of drivers confuse race handling with a hard ride, but the SL tramps round those corners (I have tickets to prove it
) with no body roll and yet rides likes a sedan on a trip. It has spoiled me for any other choices!--------------------------
2003 Mercedes SL600 (black/dark grey)
2003 Aston Martin Vanquish (silver/black)
2004 Lexus RX330 (silver/black) wife's
